New York Jets: 3 Takeaways vs. Broncos in Week 14

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the New York Jets is tackled for a loss by a trio of Denver Broncos defensive players in the fourth quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

1. Other issues beyond QB were exposed

The Jets problem at quarterback gets all the attention, and that’s a problem. They have two other issues that need to be addressed. They have inconsistent offensive line play, which leads to an inconsistent running game.

For the New York Jets, it’s not necessarily about the individual performances by the running backs, but the team as a whole. In their eight losses, Elijah McGuire, Bilal Powell and Matt Forte have combined for 19 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry. In their wins, there is a very drastic shift. They average 30 carries per game at 4.6 yards per carry in wins.

That can be partially attributed to a bad offensive line. It can also be attributed to not having the right backs. The Jets will need to focus their draft and free agency efforts on rebuilding the offensive line and getting a more consistent running back. (Le’Veon Bell may be available.)

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It doesn’t matter who the quarterback is if your offense can’t be balanced, and the offensive line is terrible. The Jets would be wasting their time with a franchise quarterback if there’s nothing around him. So, let the team get built properly, then judge it for its true value.

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